Thok product news: The e-MTB brand from Northern Italy is adding unmotorized bicycles to its lineup for the first time, presenting a gravel bike in four design and three equipment variants. The Thok Grow surprises with details that don't necessarily align with the brand's core values.
Thok is known as a pure e-MTB specialist, so this launch comes as a surprise: The brand is now also active in the conventional bike segment – specifically with gravel bikes. Logically, non-motorized mountain bikes are hardly in demand anymore, and drop-bar bikes are currently leading the unmotorized market. And that makes the Thok Grow a perfect fit for current trends.
Thok Grow: the highlights
- Carbon frame with sporty geometry and integrated storage compartment
- Tire clearance 50 mm
- Three equipment variants from 2.990 to 4.990 euros
- Four design options: “Circus”, “Darkstar”, “Cactus” and “Pixels”
- Available from March 2027
“Muscular Gravelbike” in four design variants
Thok calls its new carbon platform a "muscular gravel bike," which is presented on its homepage in a video game style with four design variations: "Circus," "Darkstar," "Cactus," and "Pixels," each with its own unique logo. The "Circus" and "Darkstar" are available in the "Pro" build (4.990 euros), consisting of SRAM Force AXS plus an MTB rear derailleur for a 10-52T 12-speed cassette. It also features Zipp XPLR S Carbon wheels with wide, deep rims and 45mm Schwalbe G-One R tires, and the SRAM crankset is equipped with a power meter.
The "Cactus" and "Pixels" models are available in two versions. The "Comp" (€3.990) features the SRAM Rival AXS groupset, which controls an MTB derailleur via the twelve gears of the 10-52 cassette; it also includes a Miche carbon wheelset with Schwalbe tires. The "First Ride" (€2.990) includes the mechanical SRAM Apex Eagle with an 11-50 twelve-speed cassette and a DT Swiss G1800 wheel. Only the "First Ride" version comes with aluminum handlebars and stem; the "Pro" and "Comp" models feature a one-piece carbon cockpit.
The frame features various mounting options, as well as a storage compartment in the downtube. The seat tube has a groove at the bottom, presumably to improve comfort. Thok has opted against aerodynamic shapes; tires up to 50 mm wide can be fitted. So far, everything fits the company's DNA.
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube length (mm) | 542 | 561 | 573 | 593 |
| Seat tube length (mm) | 437 | 470 | 503 | 536 |
| Head tube length (mm) | 130 | 152 | 178 | 200 |
| Stacks (mm) | 556 | 578 | 601 | 624 |
| Reach (mm) | 382 | 389 | 395 | 402 |
| Steering angle | 70,5° | 71° | 71° | 71,5° |
| Seat Tube Angle | 74° | 73,5° | 73,5° | 73° |
| Chainstay Length (mm) | 425 | 425 | 425 | 425 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1027 | 1037 | 1052 | 1061 |
| Fork height (mm) | 395 | 395 | 395 | 395 |
| Fork deflection (mm) | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
However, one important detail is surprising: Thok hasn't opted for a mountain bike-inspired geometry when entering the gravel segment. Instead, the frame's stack and reach are designed for a more sporty feel; a not-too-slack head angle allows for the use of longer stems than those typically found on trail gravel bikes. The Thok Grow's seat angle, in turn, is slightly slacker than those of such bikes; chainstays and wheelbase are race-oriented and short.
So, these very fairly priced bikes don't quite align with the brand's core values. In any case, the Thok Grow promises versatile riding fun and should therefore appeal to those who have no interest in e-MTBs. The gravel bikes are expected to be available in stores from March 2027, and you can pass the time waiting by playing the old-school video game on the Thok website.
